For extraordinary heroism as Pilot of a Torpedo Bomber in Torpedo Squadron SEVENTEEN, attached to the U.S.S.HORNET, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the East China Sea, April 7, 1945. Participating in a coordinated strike against an enemy Task Force consisting of a battleship, cruisers and destroyers, Lieutenant Junior Grade, Monaghan attacked the hostile battleship in the face of extremely intense antiaircraft fire which severely damaged his plane and, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo, contributed materially to the sinking of the Japanese warship. His skilled airmanship, courage and devotion to duty upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Service.